Elephant in the room

[DBut82]

I personally think Malik will be just fine.  He's done everything the coaches have asked him to do and he's an exceptional athlete. I think in this defense all of his talents will be on display and that we can expect a stellar year.

 

[okiehorn]

I guess I don't see how this is surprising. Yea he was a 5* recruit from HS but with a new man in charge you are just a kid that's helped your team to 2 of the 3 losing seasons. Everyone's head is on the chopping block as it should be. I enjoyed watching Malik his freshman year kick ass but if there's a better player than play em. We need W's plain and simple

 

[RickyFlair]

I don't know what the "expectation" is for Malik. It seemed that he had attitude issues for a portion of last year and was subsequently benched. I'm certain he has been slower to "get on board" with Herman because of his relationship with Strong. I also could see Herman purposefully limiting praise on the apparent team "leaders" to pull more out of them. I don't recall ever seeing Malik give poor effort on the field but maybe he dogs it in practice. Many people want to compare him to Derrick Johnson and I guess since he hasn't had that type of impact yet he is considered an underachiever. I don't believe Malik has underachieved and I don't think he's playing out of position. I do believe the inside LB position in the Big 12 today is vastly different than in 2004 when DJ was playing. Last year the league averaged 281 yards a game passing in 2004 Tech (399) was the only team to average that many yards and they averaged 463 last year. When the majority of the teams spread the field and quick hit you to death. That limits the impact of an inside LB. If you are good at dropping back in coverage it doesn't reflect on a stat sheet. When we played Tech last year it seemed Malik was the "spy" and tasked with containing Mahomes. He threw for 367 and rushed for -16. Malik terrorized him the whole game. Whatever issues there are with Malik the coaches need to correct but thinking he is going to stay on the sideline is absurd. I personally believe Malik will be a beast this year and join Conner Williams as a 1st round NFL draft pick.

 

[JMagana]

Herman and Orlando don't seem like the type to waste time on players that are not performing to the level they should.

Malik is an exceptional talent and I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

You all know they are still challenging all of them to be the best players and leader they can be.

 

[oldhorn2]

Big deal. Herman HAS to win. He knows that. IF he can win here and turn this program around, his future and legacy are forever secured. If he doesnt, then he will be tossed on the same bone pile as Charlie Strong and will forever be remembered as just another guy that was given a job too big for him to handle.

I feel very strongly that Herman has way too big an ego to allow that to happen. I think he will play the guys that will make us win. I could care less who that offends. Hell, Bear Bryant benched Ken Hall and not only lived to tell about it....it made his career. Believe me that Malik would not be a blip coming out of HS compared to Ken Hall.

Herman will play the guys that will help us win.....whoever in the hell they happen to be. The ball is in Malik's court Not the other way around.

 

[oldhorn2]

never saw Malik dog it on the field?....I have seen several plays where he just did GAS whether he made it or not. If he doesnt bust ass this year bench him